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Review by Angharad Griff
“What? No gigs in the Cŵps?” “No way, never!” Unfortunately, this was the reality for most of 2007. But, hurray, they’re back! On a wet and windy Friday night in Aberystwyth, Cymdeithas Yr Iaith were organising a gig to coincide with a protest at Morrisons the following Saturday. It’s always a good sign when the place is almost full before the bands have finished sound checking. The poor organiser hadn’t had time to set up the till by the door (in fairness to him, the gig hadn’t officially started yet), but there was a bum on every seat before 8pm. Starting things off were new band, Slapar, from Caernarfon. They were obviously enjoying being on stage. They all looked like kids on Christmas Eve. Ok, so it was a little bit obvious that they are just starting out, but despite a few hiccups here and there were some good songs. They finished off with a song called Methu Cofio (Can’t Remember), an ironic name for a song that’s still in my internal jukebox days after the gig. Next up were Amheus from Llandovrey who had the biggest keyboard I’ve ever seen in a gig. It took up most of the stage. Somehow, the rest of the band managed to fit onto the stage too. Their set was a bit like playing a guessing game – what genre of music will they play next? Credit to a band that can go from piano funk like Y Panics to classic rock like Meatloaf. But, one thing’s for sure though – they’ve got a shit hot bassist in Heledd. Watch out for this talented young lady. I must admit, I don’t blame the John Travolta wannabes for saving their moves for Pwsi Meri Mew. An absolute pleasure from the first note (or clap, I should say). Despite the fact that they had the biggest problems with the sound system, it made no difference to their top notch set. There wasn’t one weak song. They’re experimental, psychedelic and have fun with the audience. It was also nice to see the melodica being played – a rarity indeed. The last time mr huw played in the Cŵps, only 6 people turned up (including himself and the organiser). To be fair, it was on the worst day of the big snow of February 2007. So, this time, mr huw brought along two thirds of his band as company. By now, the John Travoltas were jumping around in any direction and singing every song word for word. So it seems a few copies of mr huw’s Llond Lle o Hwrs A Lladron have been sold in Aberystwyth! There’s always a good atmosphere in gigs at the Cŵps and tonight was no exception. Thank God this great tradition is back.
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